Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in Tennessee has ordered three Pierce Ascendant 107 foot Heavy Duty Aerial Ladders as it looks to strengthen operational efficiency, manoeuvrability and aerial reach across its expanding service area.
The order was announced by Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business, and secured through Pierce dealer Siddons Martin Emergency Group.
Growing department invests in fleet
Established in 1902, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department serves more than 172,000 residents from 11 fire stations.
Its 242 uniformed personnel respond to approximately 25,000 calls annually, providing fire suppression, technical rescue and advanced emergency medical services across the growing community.
Two of the new aerial appliances will replace existing units, which will move into reserve status. The third will be assigned to a new ladder company at Station 12, increasing the department’s response capabilities.
Pierce selected for new apparatus
The department selected Pierce following its experience with the manufacturer’s apparatus and its relationship with the Siddons Martin team.
Hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to assess apparatus performance also contributed to the decision, alongside the ability to customise the vehicles around Murfreesboro’s operational requirements.
Each vehicle will be built on an Enforcer chassis and powered by a PACCAR MX 13 engine.
The specification includes a Waterous CSU 2,000 GPM pump, 500 gallon water tank and 107 foot Ascendant aerial ladder with a single rear axle configuration designed to improve manoeuvrability.
Safety and technology features
The three vehicles will also feature frontal and side roll impact protection systems, an integrated body camera system, 360 degree high visibility scene lighting and a Pierce Control Zone pump panel.
Remote control aerial operation and an aerial tip Lyfe pulley rescue system will provide additional operational capabilities.
The Ascendant aerial ladders have been selected to combine extended vertical reach with a compact and manoeuvrable footprint, supporting operations across Murfreesboro’s hilly terrain, tight streets and densely developed areas.
Order supports population growth
Deputy Chief Jamie Bigelow of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department said: “Our city continues to grow, bringing new challenges such as increased density, apartment complexes and tighter access areas. The Pierce Ascendant 107’ single rear axle aerial ladders provide the maneuverability we need to navigate confined streets and firehouse spaces, along with the reach required to effectively serve multi-story structures.
“We’re confident the apparatus will play a critical role in supporting our crews and protecting our city.”
“Throughout the process, the level of support and transparency from the Pierce and Siddons-Martin teams stood out. They took our leadership team to the PACCAR facility to meet with engineers and see the build process firsthand, which gave us a high level of confidence in the apparatus we’re designing.
“That hands-on experience, along with the collaboration with our fleet services director, made this a very thorough and positive purchasing process.”
Kirk Givler, Executive Vice president of Sales with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, said: “The Ascendant aerial ladder delivers the reach, flexibility and performance departments like Murfreesboro need to respond with confidence.
“We’re proud to partner with the department and support their mission with apparatus designed for both current demands and future growth.”
